The Wi-Fi® enabled thermostat is a relatively new product to the HVAC market that is already seeing great success. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are adding additional benefits to homeowners that have not been enjoyed in the past. Depending on homeowner habits, a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat could potentially cut the cost of your next heating or cooling bill.

Travel Habits- Do you find yourself leaving the house and forgetting to adjust the thermostat or setting your programmable one? Do you come and go from your house several times a day? By upgrading to a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat, a homeowner would have the ability to change the temperature of their home from a cellphone, tablet or PC. Rather than heating or cooling your house while you are gone the Wi-Fi enabled thermostat allows you to avoid wasting energy while you’re away.

System Compatibility- There are quite a few Wi-Fi enabled thermostats on the market and making sure the one you select will work with your system can be complicated. It is always best to consult a professional contractor before making a purchase decision, but here are a few things to consider. About half the homes in the U.S. have a Common Wire or “C wire” providing low voltage power to their thermostat to do things like keep the back light on. Most Wi-Fi enabled thermostats need this power wire to operate correctly. You should check to see if your thermostat has this wire before selecting your Wi-Fi enabled thermostat. A few Wi-Fi enabled thermostats will also operate without the C Wire if your home does not have one. Systems that use high voltage thermostats (more than 24 volts) will most likely not be compatible with Wi-Fi enabled thermostats. Almost all Wi-Fi enabled thermostat providers have a compatibility table or checker on their website.

Installation- Wi-Fi enabled thermostats vary greatly in sophistication and cost, and many can be installed without calling a contractor. Some even have installation instructions on the app, so all you need to do is install the app and follow the step by step guides.It would be good to do some online research before deciding on the model that best suits your needs.

Wi-Fi enabled thermostats can be a great way to cut energy costs, but you should weigh all of your options first. If you have a consistent schedule and don’t mind walking over to set and program your thermostat, then maybe a programmable thermostat is the better option. On the other hand, if you would like to monitor and change the temperature in your home remotely from your phone, then a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat might be the way to go. Either way, controlling the temperature in your home is vital to reducing your heating and cooling costs.